Samantha Hoang, ND

"I chose National University of Health
Sciences for my naturopathic medicine degree
because of the variety of programs it offered," says Samantha
Hoang, ND ('11). Dr. Hoang was drawn to National University's
campus, which is dedicated to integrative medicine and allows
students and faculty from different medical specialties to work and
study together.

In fact, Dr. Hoang's ND degree from NUHS prepared her for her
current residency in integrative medicine at Cancer Treatment
Centers of America.

"During my clinical internship, I worked at both the campus clinic and at a
university clinic based in a Salvation Army facility in
Chicago. One day, our clinic shift visited Cancer Treatment Centers
of America (CTCA) in Zion, Illinois. We enjoyed a tour and also a
presentation on their residency program. I was blown away at
what a rich experience the residency would provide in the field of
integrative oncology," recalls Dr. Hoang.

After graduating with her ND from National University in 2011,
Dr. Hoang was ultimately chosen for the selective residency program
and is now at CTCA's facility in Oklahoma. Her two-year
postgraduate clinical program provides specialized oncology
training in naturopathic medicine in a hospital-based setting. As a
resident, Dr. Hoang works as part of the integrative care team at
CTCA, and will complete hospital-based rotations in a variety of
specialties.

The residency also includes providing general naturopathic care
within the Employee Wellness Clinic. "The most satisfying
part of the residency is helping people change unhealthy lifestyles
with support teams (medical oncologist, clinic nurse, registered
dietitian, naturopathic oncology provider, and nurse care manager)
that stand by the patients as they try to change," she says.

Dr. Hoang was drawn to integrative medicine during her
undergraduate years. "At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I met
David Rakel, MD, who founded the university's integrative medicine
program. At his clinic, patients were encouraged to meditate
to reduce stress, exercise, explore their spiritual beliefs, eat a
healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil, cold-water
fish, and dark-colored berries. I knew immediately this was how I
wanted to practice."

"Later, I discovered that this integrative approach is the core
of naturopathic medicine. It focuses on health care as
opposed to disease care, and is based on the same rigorous
standards of evidence as any other branch of medicine." Once she
was hooked on naturopathic medicine as her career path, she chose
NUHS as the school that best suited her career goals.

Dr. Hoang feels National University prepared her well for her
current career: "I've gained many clinical pearls from the
wonderful colleagues I met in National's many degree programs. The
rigorous curriculum and small student to faculty ratio also gave me
the opportunity to be mentored by faculty members."

What are Dr. Hoang's goals for the future? "CTCA residents are
given preference for continued employment opportunities as staff
NDs," she says. "I would love to continue to learn and develop my
skills and relationships within CTCA. To have the chance to
collaborate and learn from naturopathic doctors, medical
oncologists, radiologists, surgeons, and dieticians has been a
phenomenal experience. I am excited to go to work every
day!"